Antibacterial Soap

An antibacterial soap is a product made exclusively to cleanse the skin. This soap comes in either liquid or solid form which composed of detergent additives and other active ingredients that help fight the bacteria present on the skin. Find out which brands offer the best antibacterial soap right here and have the best protection for you and your family.

Antibacterial Soap Background

At first, antibacterial soaps were marketed as deodorant soaps to fight body odor caused by perspiration. The bar soaps became more popular in 1950 and the most prominent brands during that time is Lifebuoy, Dial, and Ivory Soap. These brands are still visible in the market today, although they are not as popular as the liquid soaps have become. Among the best-selling brands today are Dove, Procter and Gamble’s Oil of Olay, and Lever’s Caress liquid soap. These products can also be used as antibacterial hand soap as well as antibacterial body soap. In the US, antibacterial soaps belong to the over-the-counter drugs category as one can purchase them without prescription as long as they strictly follow the guidelines of Food and Drug Administration.

Product Design

Antibacterial soaps are formulated to kill germs effectively while being gentle to the skin. There are several factors a soap formulator must consider in making an antibacterial soap. These factors are:

the types of organisms the product should be eliminating

the time needed for the product to take effect

foam quality and speed of foaming

skin feel

ease of rinsing

fragrance

product appearance

These factors have to be properly included in a formula by a chemist. The chemist, after formulation, should then specify the ingredients used, the manufacturing procedures, and the product specifications of the finished product.

What Antibacterial Soap Are Made Of

Deionized/Distilled Water – This is the most abundant material used on most antibacterial soaps, mainly because it is a diluents and a carrier for other soap ingredients. The water should be deionized/distilled in order to prevent ions present in hard water to interfere with some detergents. Most soaps contain 40% to 80% water.

Trichlocarban – This is commonly used in bar soaps.

Trichlosan – An antimicrobial ingredient used in liquid soaps.

Surfactants – This ingredient optimizes the soap’s ability to foam and cleanse while minimizing the negative effects like skin dryness. These comprise 20% to 40% of the formula.

Thickeners – These ingredients enhance the thickness of the formula. One common thickener is the salt. It may be added to surfactants to thicken systems along with gums and other polymeric materials.

Fragrances – These chemicals add aroma to the formula and appeal to the consumers. A fragrance can be a blend of different natural or synthetic materials.

Colorants – These ingredients are added in order to enhance the products look. Most detergents when formulated result in a yellow color, so this is when the use of dyes is needed. Colorants are closely monitored by the FDA and it should be used only at very low levels.

Pearlizing Agents – This is another ingredient used to enhance the appearance of the formula. These agents are commonly fatty type alcohol ingredients like glycol stearate and titanium-coated mica. These make up of 1% or less of the soap formula.

Don’t be satisfied by just having smooth, silky and good smelling skin after a bath or washing hands. Ensure you kill germs and bad bacteria as well with the help of an antibacterial soap. With such products, reduce the likelihood of diseases caused by germs and bacteria lurking near you.